Lauren Bacall’s Secret Romance: Her Affair with Frank Sinatra While Humphrey Bogart Was on His Death Bed

Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, famously known as Bogie and Bacall, were a power couple in Hollywood.

However, after Bogart's death, Bacall found solace in the arms of another iconic star, Frank Sinatra.

While their relationship was openly acknowledged, it is now revealed that their affair actually started while Bogart was still alive.

Bacall candidly discussed her relationship with Sinatra in her memoir, “By Myself” (later republished as “By Myself and Then Some”).

The two even got engaged, but Sinatra abruptly ended the engagement, which Bacall ultimately viewed as a fortunate turn of events.

Let's delve into their relationship and the controversy surrounding its timeline.

The Holmby Hills Rat Pack, a close-knit group of friends including Bogart, Bacall, Sinatra, Judy Garland, Spencer Tracy, and talent agent Swifty Lazar, shared a strong bond.

Sinatra remained a loyal friend to Bogart until his death in January 1957 from esophageal cancer.

In her book, Bacall revealed that Sinatra frequently visited her husband during his illness, causing Bogart to question his true intentions.

According to Bacall's interview with The Guardian in 2005, Sinatra's infatuation was directed towards Bogart, not her.

She explained that Sinatra couldn't comprehend how someone like Bogart, who possessed charm, humor, and stardom, could remain faithful to one woman.

However, this claim has been met with some skepticism.

In her book, Bacall acknowledged leaning on Sinatra emotionally during Bogart's terminal illness.

Yet, she did not indicate that their romantic involvement began while her husband was still alive.

She stated that she relied on Sinatra's presence as a symbol of vitality during such a challenging period.

Their relationship was an unforeseen connection rather than a premeditated affair.

However, other sources, like biographer Kitty Kelley in her book “His Way: The Unauthorized Biography of Frank Sinatra,” argue otherwise.

According to Kelley, Bacall admitted to having an affair with Sinatra before Bogart's demise.

Bogart, who was aware of Bacall's fondness for Sinatra and believed he reciprocated those feelings, felt insecure due to their dwindling physical intimacy caused by his illness.

Sinatra even proposed to Bacall in 1958.

In her book, Bacall described feeling elated yet uncertain about Sinatra's love games.

She contrasted their relationship with her marriage to Bogart, where she felt grounded and secure.

As a couple, they had a volatile dynamic that always left people wondering if they were okay.

However, their engagement was short-lived due to the news leaking to the press.

Bacall insisted that she didn't disclose the information, but her agent, Lazar, was responsible for the leak.

The intense media attention forced Sinatra to isolate himself, ultimately leading to the end of their relationship.

Bacall later realized that the demise of their relationship was a blessing in disguise.

In her memoir, she expressed gratitude for Sinatra's behavior, which prevented a disastrous marriage.

Despite his flaws, she cherished the unforgettable moments they shared.

Bacall's honesty in her memoir, including her less favorable portrayal of Sinatra, was a testament to her commitment to telling the truth.

Years later, Sinatra finally acknowledged that Lazar was responsible for the engagement leak.

During a party, he confronted Lazar, blaming him for what transpired between Bacall and himself.

This revelation provided closure for Bacall, confirming that Sinatra knew the truth all along.

After her relationship with Sinatra concluded, Bacall went on to marry Jason Robards.

Sinatra had multiple marriages, including his famous unions with Nancy Barbato, Ava Gardner, Mia Farrow, and Barbara Marx.

Bacall passed away in 2014, while Sinatra's life came to an end in 1998.